Department of Parks and Recreation is Searching for Centenarians

HEY, Mount Rainier residents do we have ANY centenarians living in our City?

How about persons over the age of 90 years of age?

Department of Parks and Recreation is Searching for Centenarians

Centenarian Celebration Event to be held in May 2018

Do you know any Prince George's County residents 90 years and older? If so, we need your help! The Department of Parks & Recreation is collecting information on our county residents who are 90 and older to invite them to a special celebration in May. Special recognition will be given to our centenarians. Please contact the centenarian coordinator at 301-206-3375 no later than Friday, February 16, 2018, with the person's name and information needed. we appreciate your help!!

If you know someone who resides in the County and is 90 years old or older (as of January 1, 2018), please share their information with us. Your help is greatly appreciated!

Please forward their information to us no later than February 16, 2018. Contact the Centenarian Coordinator at 301-206- 3375; TTY 301-699-2544. Names provided will be mailed invitations and RSVP confirmation will be required. For additional details visit http://www.pgparks.com/2666/Signature- Events.

PROPOSED PROCEDURES FOR NEW RECYCLING PROGRAM COMING TO MOUNT RAINIER

Following is a copy of the proposed new recycling rules and procedures.  The Mayor and Council will be discussing these new rules and procedures at the public forum at their work session on Tuesday, February 20, 2018, at 7:00 p.m.

Please be advised that the City approved funding for new city-provided trash and recycling containers. These new containers were funded by unused fiscal year 2017 and 2018 funds and will not result in any tax increase.

In addition, the City has proposed updating its trash and recycling rules. Please read these rules carefully. These rules will not go into effect until homes receive the new city-provided trash and recycling containers, which is not slated to occur until later in the summer months. Over the next few months, you will continue to see communications from the City explaining the limited opt-out process for residents (including any forms associated with that process), and the final rules once agreed upon.

Please also know that city-provided trash and recycling containers will only be provided to addresses that are registered with the City of Mount Rainier.

Prior to these rules being agreed upon, we will have a public hearing on these proposed final rules on Tuesday, February 20, 2018, at Mount Rainier City Hall at 7:00 PM. We encourage you to attend that hearing to express any concerns with these rules.

Proposed Trash and Recycling Rules

Proposed Trash Rules

•        Pick Up Day: Every Wednesday. If unforeseen circumstances (e.g., truck breaks down, snow emergency, hazardous conditions) or a holiday prevents pickup on Wednesday, pick-up will occur the next business day.

•        A “trash container” refers to a watertight and rodent proof container with tight-fitting lid.

•        A “city-provided trash container” refers to a 45-gallon container on wheels with tight-fitting lid provided by the City of Mount Rainier.

•        Unless an opt-out permit has been approved, the trash container shall be a city-provided trash container. However, in calendar years 2018 and 2019, residents may use up to three secondary trash containers no larger than 35 gallons.

•        Beginning with calendar year 2020, residents may have up to three city-provided trash containers. The City shall provide one city-provided trash container at no cost to the resident. Additional city-provided trash containers may be purchased from the City at 50% of the cost of the container.

•        In the instance a city-provided trash container becomes inoperable, a resident may appeal for the replacement of such a container provided the resident does not have any additional, operable city-provided trash containers.

•        If a new resident’s household does not come equipped with a city-provided trash container, the resident will have 90 days from closing of the purchase of the property to receive one free city-provided trash container.

•        Household trash must not be mixed with bulk or yard waste. Regular household trash means usual residential household items from places such as the kitchen, bathroom etc., and does not include plastic bags or styrofoam.

•        Trash containers - whether city-provided or otherwise - must be set out any time after 7:00 PM the day before trash collection and no later than 7:00 AM on trash collection days.

Proposed Recycling Rules

•        Pick Up Day: Every Friday. If unforeseen circumstances (e.g., truck breaks down, snow emergency, hazardous conditions) or a holiday prevents pickup on Friday, pick-up will occur the next business day.

•        A “recycling container” refers to a watertight and rodent proof container with tight-fitting lid.

•        A “city-provided recycling container” refers to a 65-gallon container on wheels with a tight-fitting lid provided by the City of Mount Rainier.

•        Unless an opt-out permit has been approved, the recycling container shall be a city-provided recycling container.

•        The City shall provide one city-provided recycling container at no cost to the resident. Additional city-provided recycling containers may be purchased from the City at 50% of the cost of the container.

•        In the instance a city-provided recycling container becomes inoperable, a resident may appeal for the replacement of such a container provided the resident does not have any additional, operable city-provided recycling containers.

•        If a new resident’s household does not come equipped with a city-provided recycling container, the resident will have 90 days from closing of the purchase of the property to receive one free city-provided recycling container.

•        Recycling containers - whether city-provided or otherwise - must be set out any time after 7:00 PM the day before recycling collection and no later than 7:00 AM on recycling collection days.

•        The following items are permitted for recycling as determined by the County and reflect the current rules for recycling (i.e., these rules are in existence today):

•        Glass

•        Food and beverage containers

•        Metals

•        Aluminum foil

•        Aluminum, bimetal, ferrous, and steel, food and beverage containers

•        Empty aerosol cans

•        Mixed Paper/Corrugated Cardboard

•        All paper

•        Aseptic/gable-top milk and juice cartons

•        Catalogs

•        Flattened corrugated cardboard (boxes with cellophane tape removed)

•        Frozen food packaging

•        Hard- and soft- covered books

•        Kraft paper bags and wrapping paper

•        Magazines

•        Newspapers with inserts

•        Paperboard (cereal and cracker boxes)

•        Telephone books

•        Unsoiled pizza boxes (boxes MUST BE free of grease, cheese and other food remnants)

•        Plastics

•        Drinking cups/glasses

•        Flower pots

•        Containers with code identification numbers 1 through 7

•        Prescription bottles

•        *Remember to rinse all food and beverage containers and to recap or place the lids in the recycling cart/bin.  

•        *The County no longer accepts any plastic bags or film (even if the bags are balled up together), nor any coat hangers. Please return coat hangers to the dry cleaners or place metal coat hangers in the scrap metal bins and plastic coat hangers in the rigid plastics bins at public convenience centers.

Opting-Out of New City-Provided Trash and Recycling Containers

•        The City of Mount Rainier will offer residents the opportunity to opt-out of using the new city-provided trash and recycling containers if one of the following conditions apply:

•        It is impractical for you to use the larger containers - e.g., your house sits on a hill with many stairs leading up to where you would have to keep any trash or recycling container.

•        You have a disability or are an elderly resident (62 or older) for whom the larger containers are not practical.

•        Opt-out forms will be distributed to residents through a direct mailing effort, which will contain the final trash and recycling rules and an in-depth explanation of the change (including the benefits to residents and the environment of switching to the new containers).

•        Residents will have until June 15, 2018 to submit the opt-out forms to the Director of Public Works.

Collection for Senior Citizens and the Disabled

The City will provide on-premise collection of recyclables for senior citizens over 62 years of age and for disabled persons. To qualify, no one living in the home can be under 62 years of age or physically able to carry collection containers to the curb. The resident must make the container(s) readily accessible to Public Works employees, and the resident must sign a waiver of liability for entering onto the premises. To make arrangements, please call 301.985.6583.

PLEASE review and provide comments or mark your calendar and come share your thoughts with Mayor and Council on Tuesday, February 20!

The Mayor's Chat, Volume 3 -- Written in October -- sent, but not sent

Volume Three
January 9, 2018

Introduction

This is the Third volume of The Mayor's City Chat.  The Mayor's City Chat can be found on the Web at "From the desk of the Mayor," "The Mayor's Facebook Page," and some items discussed here can be found in "The Message."  The goal of The Mayor's City Chat is to start a conversation with residents about City business, to generate a two-way dialogue between the residents and the Mayor, and to inform residents of issues and projects in the City.

No solution is perfect, but the goal is to continue to try.  THIS ISSUE is loaded, and still, a lot was omitted, e.g., opportunities to serve on City committees, commissions and boards.  Some items will remain on the report while others will fall off once they are completed.  My email is still the best, fastest, and quickest way to reach me for a response.

Just in case you cannot open the document, I will always post it in my email.  Please share, and submit or ask residents to provide their email addresses to me, if they wish to be included on the distribution list.

To receive a copy of The Mayor’s City Chat, please send your email address to mayormiles@gmail.com.  You may also direct questions, suggestions, and concerns to this email address as well as volunteer for projects, committees, etc.  A response will be provided.

This month’s City Chat Highlight

No community is perfect or crime free.  No community has a surplus of police officers that can be everywhere all the time.  Because our police force has only eighteen (18) sworn officers, we NEED community support and involvement.

Block watch committees and captains are needed in every area of our community including businesses.  If you wish to start, a block watch committee, contact Chief Michael Scott or Captain Jimmy Stoots 301-985-6580.

We also need community help in making sure that our children are safe as they walk to and from school.  If you are a stay at home parent, worker, entrepreneur, grandparent or other, we need your eyes and ears. 

Also, we are asking our residents to be on the lookout for signs of gang activity, even in places where it might not seem likely

If a resident sees graffiti that might even possibly be gang-related, call our police department and report it.  Our officers are trained to look at graffiti and determine if it's gang-related.

Should experience a police emergency, PLEASE call 301-985-6565.  Lock this number in your phone.  Put it on SPEED DIAL.  Our officers will respond immediately, and if already on a call will be able to get one of our partners to respond.  Our officers and partners know our streets, businesses, and can respond more rapidly than anyone at the 911 call center. 

For ALL medical or fire emergency, PLEASE call 911.  Make sure this number is on your phone on speed dial. 

Non-emergencies should be directed to the following phone numbers based on your specific need:’

Non-emergency 301-352-1200

General Information: 311

Crisis Hotline: 211

Customer Service:  301-772-4420

Mayor and Council Work Session

At the work session of the Mayor and Council, the following items were discussed

Stephen Shaff presented a proposal to the Mayor and Council to use the historic Potts building as an economic development tool.  There are two proposals for renovating Potts Hall.

Sutton Hoo Productions presented a project to renovate and put back into use the Kaywood Theater that has several lives since opening years ago.

Mount Rainier's City staff proffered a proposal to offer up to $1.4 million in cash, loan, and other incentives to help businesses come to Mount Rainier, support businesses that are already here, and to encourage employment of Mount Rainier residents.

Landex Development: A Leader in Community and Residential Real Estate Development was unable to attend the meeting, but sent a proposal for Mayor and Council to consider for the 3100 Block of Rhode Island Avenue.

Full copies of the presentations may be requested from City Hall, 301-9856585. These issues will be discussed at the next Mayor and Council work session on the third Tuesday in September (September 19, 2017) at 7:00 p.m.

All Mount Residents are invited to the work session and may be asked to comment on each issue coming before the Mayor and Council.

Please check the City’s website and other social media outlets for items on the agenda.

Activities since last Mayor’s City Chat

The City has projects that have been going on since or before 2014.  Those projects although rarely mentioned are still in progress.  These projects are not frequently discussed because they are not being funded directly out of the City’s coffer.  However, they will have a significant impact on some residents. 

1 The Allison Street Levee.  A lot of work has gone on with the Allison Street Levee that runs through Mount Rainier down behind Kaywood Apartments under several of our streets and next to the Nature Center, the Pool Queenstown Apartments, the 7/11, gas station, the new laundromat and ending up somewhere in one of Maryland’s waterways. 

An outgrowth of this project is the requirement for some of the City’s residents to purchase and maintain flood insurance on their properties.  A few years ago, a forum at the Mount Rainier Nature Center was held to discuss this issue with residents.  The projection then was that the work would begin in two years and would impact our schools, the traffic flow on Arundel and result in a new street on Arundel.  For many reasons, including demands from some residents, the work was slowed down.  Here is some information that you should be aware of as the project moves forward:

Flood insurance is required for some and recommended for others.

Your homeowner’s insurance will not cover flood damages.

Flood insurance will not cover everything during a flood, so READ the fine print.

2.  Queens Chapel Road or MD500 is part of the State Highway Administrations (SHA) restoration process.  As you know, a lot of work has been and continue to be done on MD500 in Hyattsville.  That is in SHA's phase one/two plan.  Mount Rainier is in phase three/four of the plan that will include restoration of MD500 up to Eastern Avenue.  The work that is being done now is expected to last until 2035 with minor repairs here and there.

Since 1987, I have requested that a traffic signal be placed at 30th and Queens Chapel Road (MD500) and that SHA looks for ways to make that section of Queens Chapel Road more pedestrian friendly.  Your voices need to be heard on this matter.  

With the increased density in population (57 new units at Rainier Manor and the new units going up in Avondale) traffic will increase, and MD500 will remain a speedway from Eastern Avenue to the traffic signal at 34th and MD500.

Here is the official update from SHA.  The design for the project is approximately 90 percent complete, and the most recent plan review meeting was held on May 11, 2017.  The right-of-way plats were issued mid-May 2017 and property appraisals are ongoing.  Currently, the project team is finalizing the design, securing environmental permits, and coordinating with utility owners for their relocation.  The project is scheduled to advertise in early 2018 and start construction in Spring 2018.  Stay tuned.

3.   Rainier Manor 2 has been completed and is open for rental.  It has fifty-seven (57) units in the new building.  There are eligibility requirements for the new units but keep in mind that because of new legislation, senior rents are stable for two years.  This means that you rent CANNOT go up over a two-year period.

4.  Flood Plain area in Mount Rainier and Requirements.  Floodplain Management Workshop designed for municipal officials.   This workshop was held October 4, 2017.  Kevin Komali and Jessica Love also attended this workshop at the Forest Heights Municipal Building.

Michael J. Colgan and Dawn Hawkins-Nixon, P.E., CFM from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) regarding Mount Rainier and the flood plan.  Here are the questions asked and the answers provided.

n  Are Mount Rainier residents required to purchase flood insurance?  No, if they live on the west side of 34th Street.  It is recommended that they buy the flood insurance for added protection but federal law does not require them to do so.  (NOTE:  If you are traveling down 34 th Street toward CVS you are on the East side of 34th Street and vice versus if you are going toward Rhode Island Avenue from CVS, you are on the Westside.)  So, people who live in Brentwood on or near the levee are REQUIRED to purchase flood insurance.  For more information on this, there are zone designations for the flood plan.  If you are in ANY of the "A" zones (Zone A, AE, or any other zone that starts with A) you are required to have flood insurance.  See the attached map.

n  FEMA requires flood insurance for structures in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) when there is a federally backed mortgage for such structures.  However, FEMA recommends that all property owners within the SFHA purchase flood insurance.  Also, the Allison Street Levee system is being upgraded to comply with FEMA criteria and at this time, doesn't adequately protect from flooding due to the 1% annual chance flood event (also known as the 100-year flood event).  Although FEMA doesn't require residents who live or work behind this levee to purchase flood insurance, the County recommends that such residents buy flood insurance.

n  What insurance carriers offer flood insurance?  Information regarding flood insurance may be found on FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) webpage. Please follow the below link to the webpage. https://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/residential_coverage/agent_locator.jsp

Also, you may contact the NFIP Referral Call Center at (888) 379-9531 to request an agent referral.

n  Design work on the Allison Levee has been completed, and the bidding process has started as of this summer.  No bid has been accepted an awarded to a contractor.  Also, Dan Rybak who was the lead on this project has retired, and Frank Galosi has taken the lead.

Mayor and Council hosted a community meeting to discuss issues and concerns around crime in the community. Although not as well attended as I would have liked, some residents came out and were able to have one on one dialogue with Chief Michael Scott, Captain James Stoots, and most of the City's police officers.

The dialogue was good and very positive. In general, the meeting was productive and highlighted some areas for improvements. Probably, one of the most significant things that came out of the meeting (again) was the need to keep the public better informed and to host similar meeting more frequently

The next meeting of the community is SCHEDULED for WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018 at Mount Rainier's Police Station at 6:30 p.m. ALL RESIDENTS are invited to come out and participate.

Some of the issues that came up and were discussed included the recent spike in crime (the carjacking, the murder on RIA, etc.) in the City.

The most shocking single piece of information that came out of the meeting was that Mount Rainier residents were not aware of the CITY'S EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBER. PLEASE PLACE THIS NUMBER ON YOUR CELL PHONES and HOUSE PHONES -- 301-985-6565. This number is for police emergencies.

If you are having, witnessing or otherwise need a police officer in a hurry or an emergency within the CITY OF MOUNT RAINIER, PLEASE DIAL 301-985-6565 -- NOT 911

When you dial 911 in the DMV, you may get someone in DC, the County or elsewhere in the area. Many of the 911 operators are NOT FAMILIAR with Mount Rainier and will have to locate where you are calling from, reroute your call to the appropriate jurisdiction, and lose valuable time in getting help to you. Please put 301-985-6565 on speed dial on your phone. Our officer can usually respond to your emergency within three (3) to five (5) minutes. YOUR EMERGENCY CALL goes directly to our dispatch service which is familiar with our area, our protocol, and OUR OFFICERS.

By dialing 301-985-6565, YOU are helping our officers to help you when there is an emergency.

LET"S BE REAL CLEAR -- DO NOT DIAL 301-985-6565 for medical emergencies, fires or other types of emergencies. FOR THOSE EMERGENCIES, PLEASE CONTINUE TO DIAL 911.

5.     Our police department continued to work with Prince George’s County to investigate carjacking, homicide, attempted ATM robbery at the711 and stabbing on Bunker Hill Road.  These incidents have caused concern for crime rising in our community.  Although these are critical and scary incidents and may have reminded some of us of days passed,   Mount Rainier has not become a “crime infested” City.  Our police department is stronger than before, and residents are safer and more proactive.  If you see something, say something and call 301-985-6565.  

6.  Perry Street traffic continues to be on the top front of residents in Ward One.  During the election, candidates, voters, and current elected officials noted the volume of traffic on Perry as well as the speed of some of the cars.  Chief Michael Scott has been working on this issue and seeking solutions and partnership with the Town of Brentwood. 

7.  Community Block Watch has come up again as a major concern of some residents and efforts are being made to reimplement this program in those areas that are interested in having them.  Our police department representatives are available to help residents get a block watch program started in their area.  Please contact Chief Michael Scott to get this program started in your neighborhood.  Chief Scott may be reached at 301-985-6580. 

8.  Noise complaints continue to be an issue in some areas of the City.  If you are going to have a party or noise that is more than 50 feet from its origination, YOU need a noise permit.  The noise permit allows noise from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.  Should your noise disturb the peace even with a permit, our police officer may determine that your activity or event should be stopped.  You are responsible for your guests and should make sure that they do not disturb your neighbors, trespass on their property or become a public nuisance.

9.  The Associated Churches for Community Service (ACCS) has not met or raised the necessary funds to support residents during the coming winter months.  However, Buffalo Baptist joined with me to make a financial contribution to Thomas Stone Elementary and Mount Rainier Elementary to help students that may need school supplies, uniforms, or other essentials.  Buffalo Baptist has also agreed to work with me to provide another financial contribution later in the year to purchase essentials (underclothes for Kindergarteners and First Graders).

10.Residents on Otis Street approached the Mayor and Council to address several issues in the business area.  One of the residents and I met with one of the business owners to discuss remedies and to build relationships that will allow both to coexist.  A review of the area showed that the City should set aside funds to address other issues in the alley.  Problems include resurfacing alley behind the businesses; code enforcement need to visit the area and work with the owners to clean up the alley, and businesses should put their business names and street number on the back of their businesses so that they can be identified. 

11.Worked closely with Maryland Department of Agriculture to gather information to inform residents of the unscheduled spraying of mosquitoes in the Mount Area on September 7, 2017, without proper notice to Mayor and Council, and to residents.  Efforts resulted in new notification policy to residents and established relationships with Maryland Department of Agriculture and a communications method with the state departments to notify municipalities of their activities and events better.  The State departments will work with Maryland Municipal League (MML) and Maryland Association of Counties (MACos) to get the word out to municipalities.

12.Continued working on the renovation of the Bike Coop.  Gutters cleaned and tree limbs cut by Mr. Kevin Kamali's staff in Public Works.  Tonie George with the Carpenter's Union continued to bring resources to the table to help with the renovation, and the volunteers at the Bike Coop continue to make minor repairs, work on bikes, and teach interested residents on how to fix their bikes.

13.As a member of the Maryland Municipal League’s (MML) Board of Directors (BOD) and Secretary of the League’s executive committee, I attended a three-day retreat in Frederick, MD.  The purpose of the retreat was to set the League’s agenda for 2018 and to acquaint the BOD with services and programs offered by the League as well as identify municipal issues for the coming year that the League should pursue.

14.As the appointed liaison to the Outreach and Engagement Committee of the League, I attended their first meeting in Annapolis.  The goal is to work toward getting greater participation of the elected municipal leaders engaged in the League, encourage involvement in Municipal Month (November), and to get students and teachers to learn more about municipal government by writing essays during the “If I Were Mayor Contest.

15.Traveled to Winston-Salem, North Carolina following the MML’s Board of Directors meeting and was honored as one of the Historic Black Colleges and Universities Living Legend along with thirty-one (31) other HBCU graduates.  Other honorees from Saint Augustine’s University included George Williams from Saint Augustine's University and Dr. Brian Hemphill president of Radford University.  For more information copy and paste this link into your browser http://www.hbculivinglegends.com/2017-Living-Legends-Honorees.html.[G101] 

16.Rainier Manor II is taking applications for its 57 new units.  If you are interested or looking for a place to live in Mount Rainier, this just may be the place for you.  Thanks, Charmaine Jefferson for providing me a tour of the new housing units in Mount Rainier.

18.I met briefly with the new Parent Liaison at Thomas Stone Elementary.  Her Name is Julissa Flores.  Her contact information is 301-985-1890, and her email address is Julissa.Honore@pgcps.org.  Please stop by and welcome her to our school.

19.Kudos to the Emergency Preparedness Committee (CERT) for planning the installation of additional fire alarms (Sound the Alarm) in various homes in the Mount Rainier area.  Because of Hurricane Harvey, Irma, and the others, that project has been canceled until the spring.  This message was received from the Red Cross who sponsors this event:  With the impact of Harvey's historic flooding, plus Hurricane Irma now approaching the Southeast as a Category 5 storm, responding to both disasters is our top priority. We must ensure that sufficient resources are available for deployment—without delay. These two significant responses will likely require additional resources from all regions and support units, including unaffected areas. Therefore, we have decided to delay national Sound the Alarm Signature City Events (scheduled for September 23 – October 15) until a later date, probably in spring 2018.  Please stay tuned for when this event is rescheduled.  Volunteers will be needed to make this a successful event in Mount Rainier.

20.Are you looking for playground equipment and have the necessary skills to move the playground equipment from its current location?  The owners of the Artist Loft are interested in donating the playground equipment.  If you are interested, please contact me ASAP at mayormiles@gmail.com.

Upcoming/ongoing projects

The Mayor’s Book Club – this has not gotten off the ground but is still in the works

The campaign sign painting party is still be organized so don’t throw away those signs.

Plans for 31st Street Project – ready for implementation

Reconstruction of MD 500 going through Mount Rainier and to Eastern Avenue – funded

Reconstruction of the Levee Arundel Road area – working on a report

Rainier Manor 2 construction completion and rental date – update coming

Call-a-bus replacement – still up in the air, but working with County for an exception to their rules

3300 Rode Island Avenue report from staff – presentation made on September 5, 2017, at the City Council meeting

BUNKER Hill Fire station-- is Mount Rainier safe? – scheduling a meeting with new Fire Chief, Mr. Barksdale

Upcoming Event/Calendar

The school year began on Tuesday, September 5, 2017. The last day of school is scheduled for Thursday, June 14, 2018.

UPCOMING EVENT by MNCPPC:

COST: Free with M-NCPPC Youth ID

AGES: Ages 13-17

WHERE: Mount Rainier Nature/Recreation Center

4701 31st Place

Mount Rainier MD. 20712

For more information call: 301-927-2163; TTY: 301-699-2544

City Events/Schedule

The following are some of the events in the City for 2017-2018 Fiscal Year (NOTE:   City Council Meetings are routinely held the first (1st) and third (3rd) Tuesdays of each month unless otherwise noted.

The City newsletter, "The Message" is issued monthly with a combined newsletter for July August and December/January.  The next issue coming out will be for February 2019.

F Community Policing Meeting, Mount Rainier’s Police Department, was held September 20, 2017, 6:30 p.m.  Coming up January 17 will be the following meeting.  This meeting will be held at the Mount Rainier Nature Center and will start at 6:30 pm and will include an Award Ceremony.  ALL residents are invited.

F Public Safety Night was held September 29, 2017, Mount Rainier Nature Center, 6:30 p.m.  Good turnout.

F Code Enforcement meeting -- October 12at Potts Hall 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

F Thanksgiving Basket Drive – October through the third week of November

F Annual Halloween Blast – October 31, 2017, 6:30 p.m.

F Month of November – Municipal Month – visit schools and fly municipal flag at City Hall

F Veterans Day Recognition Program – Saturday. November 11, 2017 –Waffle and Champagne Brunch, 11:30 a.m.

F City Budget Calendar approved in December/January

F Christmas Basket Drive – November through the fourth week of December

F Budget Preparation begins in January

F If I Were Mayor Contest… starts in January 2018 and ends in March

F NO ELECTION THIS YEAR -- 2018

F Third-grade visited City Hall – May 16, 2017

F Mount Rainier Day – May 19, 2018

F Budget must be approved by June 30, 2018

F Mayor and Council Recess, July and August – TBA

F National Night Out (NNO) – August 7, 2018

F Public Safety Night – September 28, 2018

Some Priorities for this fiscal year

Developing a proper working and functioning Mayor and Council

Assuring that the City Manager works well with Mayor and Council, employees, and residents

Producing a clean financial audit; a clean financial report that provides a reliable picture of the City's financial status with trends in spending that allows for future projections of expenses and income

Getting the City Charter Reviewed and updated

Taking Community policing to another level with a community review/appeal component

Continuing to work on getting Citywide WiFi – primarily for students, but also for adults

Improving relations with the Bunker Hill Fire Station to ensure adequate staffing at all times and that Mount Rainier residents are safe in their homes and businesses

Getting 3200 Rhode Island Avenue under contract and development

Appoint an independent financial advisory committee that reviews City spending

Secure funding for renovating the old Kaywood Theater and transform it into a cultural center for the City

Solicit funds to renovate Potts Hall, Library, alley, former police station into the Mount Rainier Civic Cente

Bring Memorial Park and Spring Park to life – getting funding for these two projects

Get 31st Street Park up and operational, e.g., determine how it will be used, etc.

Citywide calendar of events

Complete list of projects – City, e.g., Levee Project on Arundel Road; MD 500 (Queens Chapel Road); Singer Building; Civic Center; Public Works, etc. – updated and maintained

Accurate and current list of all businesses in the City with owner, renter, address with service that is provided, number of years in the City, etc. – in good standing with the City/health department

Annual report on CDMA fees paid by businesses in the City

Rodent abatement project – citywide problem that needs intervention

Yearly recognition program for functioning committees etc.

Street and traffic sign replacement throughout the City that meets federal, state and county standards

Start citywide beautification program –  honoring Jack Engel

Start monthly or quarterly meetings with service providers, 47th District leaders, Senators/Congressmen, and County Councilmembers

Create and appoint a Police Advisory Committee that is independent of the police department and handles residents’ complaints, makes recommendations for improvement of the department, and works to improve community-police relations

Websites that may be of interest:

Malinda Miles --- https://www.facebook.com/mayor.malindamiles and http://themayorsspot.blogspot.com/

Historic Mount Rainier Maryland --- http://www.mountrainiermd.org

Mount Rainier Police Department - http://www.mountrainiermd.org/police/ 

Chief Scott's Blog -- http://mrpdchief.blogspot.com  

Mount Rainier’s Nature/Recreation Center -- http://outdoors.pgparks.com/Sites/Mount_Rainier_Nature_Recreation_Center.htm

Bunker Hill Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company --- http://www.bhvfrc.com/ 

Mount Rainier Elementary School --- http://www.pgcps.org/mountrainier/

Thomas Stone Elementary School --- http://www.pgcps.org/thomasstone/

Hyattsville Middle School --- http://www1.pgcps.org/hyattsvillems/wipage.aspx?pageid=173869&LangType=1033

Northwestern High School --- http://www.pgcps.org/northwestern/

Prince George’s County Municipal Association -- https://pgcma.com/

Maryland Municipal League   --- http://www.mdmunicipal.org

Friends of the Mount Rainier Library (FOL) --- http://www.mtrainierfol.org/

Gateway Community Development Corporation http://www.gatewaycdc.org/#modern-organic-thai

Washington Metro Area Transit Service -- http://www.wmata.com/

Mount Rainier Business Association (MRBA) -- http://www.mountrainierbusiness.com/mount-rainier/

Gwendolyn Britt Senior Center -- http://www.mncppc.org/facilities/facility/details/gwendolyn-britt-senior-activity-center-70

Joe's Movement Emporium --- http://www.joesmovement.org/

Rachel P. Pemberton Health Care Center -- https://www.dimensionshealth.org/dimensions-health-services-prince-georges-county-maryland-md/pemberton-senior-health-center/

You can find my brief bio at http://www.mountrainiermd.org/government/office-mayor/

Got an issue, suggestion or compliment, please contact me at mayormiles@gmail.com

Please follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/MayorMiles  and Instagram

---

Community Conversation at 7

Remember that community conversation that we started in 2017?  Well, it is time for us to get back together and continue the conversation.

On Wednesday, January 17^th the Mount Rainier Police Department will host the first Community Conversation of 2018.

This month our conversations will take place at the Mount Rainier Nature Center located at 31^st Street and Arundel road starting at 7pm.

This meeting will be special as we will be combining our Community Conversation with the police department’s annual awards ceremony. We are extending a special invitation to our Mayor & Council and hope that each of you will be able to attend/join us as we recognize our officers and civilians for the excellent service they have provided to you and to the City.

Please join us for refreshments starting at 5:30pm. The awards ceremony will start at 6:30 continuing with 2018’s first Community Conversation at 7.

Michael E. Scott

Chief of Police

Mount Rainier Police Department

3249 Rhode Island Avenue

Mount Rainier, Maryland 20712

301-985-6580

mscott@mountrainierpd.org

Chief's Blog: http://mrpdchief.blogspot.com

Twitter: @MRPDChief

Most of us have varying levels of bias. The best of us are aware of these biases and work to overcome them. The worst of us don't and wallow in our ignorance.

-Robert Ashton

The Smoke-Alarm Law was signed in 2013 but went into effect on January 1.

I am not sure how residents of Maryland are supposed to keep up with all the laws and changes in laws, but there is an expectation that all of us KNOW the law. There is also a FALSE belief that ALL of us have computers, cell phones WITH internet or internet capabilities, AND therefore there is no excuse for NOT KNOWING the law. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE to know every law and KEEP up with them.

Having said that here is an old law that has been updated, and may save your life or someone else's IF you act on it. The Mount Rainier CERT Team will be canvassing our neighborhood to update/install new fire alarms during the month of January. They will remove and replace old fire alarms at no cost to the residents.

Pre-canvassing - January 6, 2018 from 10 am – 12 pm (CANCELED BECAUSE OF ICY COLD WEATHER) -- Will be rescheduled

Canvassing - January 15, 2018 from 8 am – 12 pm. MAY BE RESCHEDULED

Register Now at https://goo.gl/5BzPBU

The Smoke-Alarm Law was signed in 2013 but went into effect on January 1. The law requires homeowners to replace 9-volt battery operated smoke detectors with newer models that last a decade. The legislation updated the state’s nearly 40-year-old law on fire protection. The law calls for 10-year-old smoke detectors to be replaced. The date of manufacture, while sometimes hard to locate, should be printed on the back of smoke alarms. If no manufacture date is printed on your alarm, experts say that it is likely outdated and should be replaced. The legislation does not affect homes with hard-wired smoke alarms.

WSSC has been busy the past few days!

Good Afternoon,

WSSC has been busy the past few days!

The cold weather has contributed to over one hundred breaks throughout the service area, and crews are working hard to identify and repair all breaks. As of yesterday afternoon, there were 94 breaks throughout both counties. WSSC is working 24/7 to get to all of the breaks, and ensure that they are repaired and restored. Nearly 40% of WSSC’s water mains are over 50 years old. Annually, there are over 1,800 water main breaks; 1,200 of which occur between November and February. When there are multiple breaks, WSSC must prioritize them in alignment with our resources and staff. 

When prioritizing repairs or breaks, WSSC looks at key factors including safety, number of customers impacted and traffic impacts (on major roadways). It can be frustrating for our customers when leaks are not repaired immediately, and we truly appreciate their patience as repair work is completed. More information about can be found in this press release: https://www.wsscwater.com/contents/news/2018/update-wssc-working-247-to-repai.html

Our customers are encouraged to contact us to report any leaks via phone (301-206-4002), email (emergencycallcenter@wsscwater.com), or via our mobile app using the “Report a Problem” feature, which allows customers to easily snap a picture of water and sewer problems and send it directly to the Emergency Call Center. 

In addition, I encourage you and your staff to visit our website www.wsscwater.com and follow our Facebook page and Twitter feed for up-to-date information.   

Thank you for your patience and understanding. As always, if you have any questions or issues, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Intergovernmental Relations Office. 

Intergovernmental Relations

Karyn A. Riley, Director

O: 301-206-8228 | E: IRO@wsscwater.com

14501 Sweitzer Lane, Laurel, MD 20707

www.wsscwater.com 

REE Job Readiness Training and Summer Employment Opportunities for Youth Ages 15-19

FIRST COME FIRST SERVED

Subject: FREE Job Readiness Training and Summer Employment Opportunities for Youth Ages 15-19

The Prince George’s County Office of Human Resources Management is gearing up for the 2018 Youth@Work/Summer Youth Enrichment Program (Youth@Work/SYEP).

This email is to inform you of the first step of the process for youth, ages 15-19, who are seeking summer employment. The Job Readiness Training Program (JRT), sponsored by Prince George’s Community College offers career development, life-skills training and job training.

Youth are eligible to participate in the SYEP twice, or up to the age of 19. Second year youth will have the opportunity to gain competencies through the newly implemented Career Pathways Program.

For additional details regarding the Career Pathways Program, please visit: www.pgcc.edu. Attached are flyers pertaining to the JRT Program (including the JRT Q & A Session on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at Prince George’s Community College) and the Youth@Work/SYEP’s At-A-Glance flyer you can share with youth/neighbors and/or post on your webpage or social media site.

Youth must:

1). REGISTER for the Job Readiness Training at www.pgcc.edu; and

2) APPLY for summer employment at YouthAtWork.mypgc.us (Once the application period opens on February 1, 2018)

The registration period for the JRT opened on December 1, 2017. Registration is open until all seats are filled or before the closing of the previous cohort.

The application for the Youth@Work/SYEP will be open on-line February 1, 2018. Please periodically check the Youth@Work/SYEP web page: 

YouthAtWork.mypgc.us for updates.

Youth that successfully participate and complete the Job Readiness Training (JRT) are afforded an opportunity for preference for summer employment.

If you have any questions about the Youth@Work/SYEP, please do not hesitate to contact me via email or directly at (301) 883-6334.

Regards,

Nakia T. Whitley-Ngwala, MBA

Community Developer

SYEP-LOGO-PNG

Youth@Work/Summer Youth Enrichment Program (Youth@Work/SYEP)

Prince George’s County Government

Office of Human Resources Management

1400 McCormick Drive, Suite 159

Largo, Maryland 20774

301-883-6334 | direct

301-883-6200 | main

301-883-6468 | fax

NTWhitley-Ngwala@co.pg.md.us| email

syep@co.pg.md.us | main

youthatwork.mypgc.us | website

YOU STILL HAVE TIME TO FILE FOR ELECTED OFFICE IN MARYLAND

Are you the least bit curious about who has filed to run for elected office in Prince George's County? This site has the list of who has filed as of 1/4/2018. CHECK IT OUT -- YOU MAY WANT TO CONSIDER RUNNING -- PLEASE CONSIDER STRONGLY!

Filing Requirements for Candidacy

Candidate Filing for the 2018 Gubernatorial Primary Election begins: February 28, 2017

The candidate filing deadline is Tuesday, February 27, 2018 at 9:00 p.m.

You must be a resident of the District for which you are filing, a registered voter, and have completed and filed the following:

Candidate Information Sheet (PDF)

Statement of Organization (PDF)

County Ethics Disclosures are filed electronically. Instructions and Office of Ethics and Accountability contact information may be found here:

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE STATEMENT FILING INSTRUCTIONS

Board of Education Financial Disclosure Statement (PDF)

Judicial Disclosure (Judges Only) (PDF)

State Ethics Disclosures are filed electronically at:

https://efds.ethics.state.md.us/

Once the disclosure has been completed, be sure to continue "clicking" or follow the red button (at the bottom right), to retrieve your confirmation. Bring this confirmation with you when you file.

Note: Effective October 1, 2017, candidates for certain State offices (State’s Attorney, Sheriff, Register of Wills and Clerk of the Circuit Court) will no longer be permitted to use a paper format for filing their financial disclosure statements. They must use the Commission’s electronic system.

If you have any questions, contact:

States Ethics Commission

45 Calvert Street

3rd Floor

Annapolis, MD 21401

Office 410-260-7770

Toll Free 1-877-669-6085

Office Hours: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm (after 4:30 by appointment only)

Federal and State Offices are filed at the State Board of Elections. The following County and Central Committee Candidates must be filed at the Prince George's County Board of Elections:

County Executive

County Council

State's Attorney

Clerk of the Circuit Courts

Register of Wills

Judges of the Orphan's Court

Sheriff

Board of Education - Districts 2, 3, 6, and 9

Democratic Central Committee

Republican Central Committee

Filing Fee

There is a filing fee of $25. The fee for Central Committee is $10. The fee must be paid by either check, money order or cash. No credit cards can be accepted at this time.

Campaign Account

Prior to filing Certificate of Candidacy, each candidate must file a campaign account. A campaign account is established by filing a Statement of Organization with the State Board of Elections.

More Information

Visit the Maryland Board of Elections Filing page for more information on general candidacy filings and Campaign Finance. Be sure to review the Summary Guide to Maryland Candidacy and Campaign Finance Laws. A list of filed candidates will become available after filings begin. The link is updated approximately 24 hours after new filings are completed. For additional information, please contact 301-341-7300.

https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3967

Stopping WAITING on someone else to represent YOU!